One of the things that I appreciate about my fifth grade team of teachers is that we find time to eat lunch together. Actually, when I first started working at SAS, my classroom neighbor, Crew, would knock on my door and in his way encourage me to come to lunch with the rest of our hallway. During those first few years, I had a million and one other things I had to do (and the list still hasn’t dwindled) at lunch, but I would leave the pile of work on my desk and with a guilty heart go to lunch. By the end of the lunch time, I was glad that I had made it down. The much needed break, and conversation with colleagues is always refreshing and helpful.
Sometimes we talk shop, and get ideas. Sometimes, we just share about our day, things we are looking forward to, and just get to know each other better. A few days ago, it was Monday lunch time in Singapore, which meant Sunday evening back in the States, and the Oscars had just finished. Someone asked if they knew the results of what happened, and thanks to Google, we could find out right away. We started discussing which Oscar winning movies were still playing in Singapore (The Shape of Water and 3 Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, in case you are curious.) We don’t always get all the Oscar nominated movies in Singapore.
One of the teachers mentioned that the film that won for best documentary, Icarus, was on Netflix. After hearing his brief synopsis on the movie, I knew I had to watch it when I got home. I do admit to having an obsession with the Winter Olympics, particularly figure skating, having grown up skating myself. I was fascinated by this documentary and it helped me understand what the whole Russian Sochi Olympics doping scandal was all about. Also, I understood the significance and reasoning behind why they were banned from representing their country in the Pyeong Chang Winter Olympics. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend you watch it! I’m curious to hear what people thought of it.
Here’s the trailer:
teach to inspire 
I just learned all kinds of things here. Icarus may be something I will check out soon, having doping explained would be of interest since I used to run competitively, and that you teach at an international school. I’m also glad to hear you have a positive work atmosphere – that can make all the difference.
I’m glad you take the time to eat with your team. It builds community and allows you to take a mental break, which you need as a teacher. I haven’t heard of that documentary, but I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
I just watched the trailer and I am hooked! Going to watch this tonight.
Jee Young, I need your help! Pull me out if the classroom at lunch. I get stuck answering emails or planning lessons. I also have a weakness for letting the students come in and hang out during recess. I want to get better at coming to lunch with you guys. 🙂 It’s been so awesome working with you this year, but I want to hang out, too! Thanks in advance!
Stopping, though counter intuitive, can be more rejuvenating that non-stop work. Glad your colleagues helped you find some balance.